A South Derry motorist involved in a two-vehicle road traffic collision in Maghera lost his licence for 14 months at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Forty-seven-year-old Mateusz Lewandowski, from The Fort, Maghera, was also fined £250 with a £15 offender's levy for driving while having consumed excess alcohol in breath.

The court was told on November 15 this year at 4pm, police were called to a two-vehicle collision at Tamney Crescent in Maghera.

Prosecuting counsel said the reporting person claimed the defendant had been behaving in a strange way, and police noted there was a bottle of vodka on the passenger seat of his vehicle.

Bishop Street Courthouse where Magherafelt Magistrates Court is held | Google

placeholder image — Bishop Street Courthouse where Magherafelt Magistrates Court is held | Google

She said Lewandowski was unsteady on his feet but a preliminary breath test could not be conducted because of a technical difficulty.

He was arrested and later provided an evidential specimen which showed an alcohol reading of 88 mcgs per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 mcgs.

5 common mistakes that could lead to hefty fines and legal problems for Northern...

A defence lawyer stressed the defendant had made a full admission at the scene.

He said the defendant has no relevant record and has lived in Northern Ireland for approximately ten years.

The lawyer explained that Lewandowski had worked full time in a factory but had to give this work up after having three operations to his arm.

Counsel said the defendant also had mental health struggles and asked the court to give him full credit for his early plea and lack of a relevant record.

Imposing the penalties, District Judge Conor Heaney remarked that “the reading is high” and this would have to be reflected in the disqualification.